CFCAF 2015: A TRADITION CONTINUES – ARE YOU IN and WILL YOU HELP??

MUIR – POLYMER IN 3D

SEGAL – FLOWER CANE

KASSEL – PODS, PLANTS AND COLORS

MITCHELL – FOUND IT (Photo credit George Post)

There are two things that happen each year at Cabin Fever that make it unique over any other Creative Arts event out there.  First, we honor one or more of those in our community who have paved the way for many. In 2015, we hope you will join us to help honor Maureen Carlson of WeeFolk and Maureen Carlson’s Center for the Arts in Jordan, MN as she received the Creative Pioneer and Innovator Award for 2015.  Since 2009, we’ve been honoring some of these pioneers in the polymer world, those who came before many of us and tested the waters and the medium, bringing good and bad results to the forefront so the rest of us can learn from their triumphs and mistakes.  Maureen designed many of the face molds that we began using for doll-making, etc.  Maureen will be teaching a two-day workshop in addition to two 4-hour workshops.  Her creative wit and reflection as she inspires others is worth its weight in gold.  You can read more about her story in an upcoming post.

The second happening at Cabin Fever is the ability to participate in the auction which raises funds for non-profit organizations close to our heart.  In 2015, we will be raising funds for two charities that will benefit some in our own community.  The  first is the Prison Project – organized by Cynthia Tinapple, and raising funds for childhood cancer patients, including Baby Cullen, Kim Cavender’s grandson who is fighting a rare form of brain cancer.

Here is a sneak peak of some of the highlights you will be part of when you REGISTER HERE.

1. You will help us to celebrate our 8th year of bringing you not one, not two, not even three guest artists, but 17 instructors from around the country and around the world.  Yes, CFCAF has been an international event from our very first year!

2. You will have your choice of full-day workshops or half-day workshops or better yet, BOTH – the best of both worlds.  Who are the instructors?    Cabin Fever Creative Arts Fest 2015 Instructors include: Maureen Carlson, Jana Roberts Benzon, Robert Dancik, Dayle Doroshow, Christi Friesen, Lindly Haunani, Anke Humpert, Doreen Kassel, Randee Ketzel, Ann and Karen Mitchell, Melanie Muir, Kathryn Jo Ottman, Nan Roche, Marie Segal, Eugena Topina, and Teri Walters.

3. Be one of the first 50 to register and receive a commemorative canvas goody bag filled with lots of treats from suppliers and organizers.

DON’T WAIT AND BE LEFT OUT IN THE COLD – REGISTER HERE NOW!

CFCAF 2015: REGISTRATION IS NOW OFFICIALLY OPEN!

HUMPERT – TRANSPARENT LEAVES EARRINGS

Whew – it’s finally done!  Registration is now officially opened for Cabin Fever Creative Arts Fest 2015! (CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE REGISTRATION FORMS AND WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS.)  We’ve got a great line-up and there is no other polymer event of this type, in the US or abroad, that brings you the opportunity to select from so many instructors and classes.  The goal is to change it up a bit each year to make it interesting and in most cases, the instructors are teaching new workshops – cutting edge workshops – so your time is now to take advantage.

Thank you to everyone who has been patient with me  getting this up and running while I worked some things out and dealt with life issues.

Here are just a couple of things you need to know:

1. Maureen Peck Carlson is the Creative Pioneer and Innovator Award Recipient for 2015.  Maureen has been instrumental and influential in so many ways in the polymer world and her warm spirited nature and kindness just adds to the novelty of her skills as a teacher and friend.  I hope that everyone reading this post will take a moment to send me a quick note of congrats to Maureen and how she may have influenced your world/life.  Send to cabinfeverclayfestival@yahoo.com.

2. Some may notice that the name of the event has been changed from Cabin Fever CLAY Festival to Cabin Fever Creative Arts Fest.  This was done for several reasons, but most importantly, to be more inclusive of the Arts Community as a whole.  Those of us who have been around this microcosm of polymer know that there are many different mediums that marry well with polymer.  Fiber arts, metal clay, beading, wire working, etc. all have involvement in some way with many working with polymer.  I felt it appropriate to include them all, although these other arts may not be included in every CFCAF event.

3. The workshop fees are still reasonably priced, although a $30 registration fee has been added on to each registration to better cover incidental costs (purchasing new ovens!) and includes admittance for each attendee to the Tuesday evening celebration and silent auction.  After careful consideration and 7 years experience with this event, this seemed the logical way to ensure all costs are covered.

4. The silent auction will benefit two different charities. While I can’t reveal them just yet, I know that most people, whether attending or just sending in a contribution for the auction, will be more than willing to participate and help. More on this at a later date, once everything is set in place.

5. Please make certain to share the information about this event with as many of your polymer friends, guilds, etc. as possible.  The event is run on a shoestring, so it’s important to get the word out on social media and through any networks available.  Your help is greatly appreciated.

6. I had hoped to get the registration completely up online, but being less than tech-savvy, have been unable to accomplish this task so far.  I am still working on it and hope to get some form up before long.  But if I don’t, please don’t hold it against me.  I’m just a single, middle-aged mother of a wonderfully curious and extremely active 4-year-old who requires more attention than I ever dreamed of, but I am so glad of it.  My motto has become, “I know it’s important and I’ll get around to it when I can … or not.”

On that note, registrations will start coming in very quickly and classes will fill.  Don’t wait – if you want to attend, select the workshops you want to take, start saving and send in your deposit to hold your spot. Hope to see you in February,

 

CFCAF 2015: MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW – FEB. 12-18, 2015

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Mark your calendar now to attend the 8th year of Cabin Fever!  CFCAF 2015 dates are February 12 – 18, 2015 at the Holiday Inn West, Laurel, Maryland.  Each year, we try to bring a great mix of instructors as we also honor one of the pioneers in the field.  2015 will be no different.  We’ve got a great line-up of instructors in addition to a well-deserving honoree, Maureen Peck Carlson.

2015 Instructors include: Maureen Carlson, Jana Roberts Benzon, Robert Dancik, Dayle Doroshow, Christi Friesen, Lindly Haunani, Anke Humpert, Doreen Kassel, Randee Ketzel, Melanie Muir, Kathryn Jo Ottman, Nan Roche, Sarah Shriver, Marie Segal, Eugena Topina, and Teri Walters.

Once again, we will have full-day pre-conference workshops and 4-hour conference workshops, allowing you to get a “taste” of what more instructors have to offer.  Above is a sampling of photos of some of the workshops that will be offered.  Be certain to stay tuned to be one of the first to register.

 

MCC 2014: A HUGE SUCCESS, NOW ON TO CFCAF 2015 IN FEBRUARY!

It’s been nearly one month since Master Class Camp ended and a great time was had by all.  For our second year, we had over 90 people in attendance and an amazing line-up of instructors.  Thank you to all of our fabulous instructors for all that they did to make MCC 2014 the success it was.  We had attendees all the way from Australia and Abu Dhabi not to mention Dan and Tracy coming from Mexico and Melanie all the way from Scotland!

Additional thanks go to Nan Roche and her husband, John, who held a special dinner at their home for the hard-working instructors.  Looking forward to next year and another adventure.  Here are just a few photos to give you a taste of what you missed!

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Now, we move on to planning and opening registration for Cabin Fever Creative Arts Fest in February 2015.  This will be our sixth year of presenting the Creative Pioneer and Innovator Award and Maureen  Carlson is our honored guest.  She’s been working in polymer for many years and set the groundwork for many polymer sculptors.  The line-up of instructors is another winner.  Just see who you will have a chance to take a workshop or two from!

Cabin Fever Creative Arts Fest 2015 Instructors are: Maureen Carlson, Jana Roberts Benzon, Robert Dancik, Dayle Doroshow, Christi Friesen, Lindly Haunani, Anke Humpert, Doreen Kassel, Randee Ketzel, Melanie Muir, Kathryn Jo Ottman, Nan Roche, Sarah Shriver, Marie Segal, Eugena Topina, and Teri Walters.

Start planning your trip to Maryland in February and stay tuned for registration to open in September.  Congrats to all the instructors…

 

MCC 2014: 4 DAYS TO GO AND WE’RE ADDING MORE FUN

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Well, I know that some people just can’t get enough of claying, so we’ve decided to add three (3) mini workshops to the Master Class Camp schedule.  If you are interested in attending any or all of these workshops, cost will be $30 each for MCC attendees and $40 each for non-MCC attendees.  Email me at cabinfeverclayfestival@yahoo.com for additional info and to register.

• Ponsawan Sila will be teaching MINI ROSES on Thursday evening from 6:30PM – 8:30PM
• Marie Segal will be teaching STEAMPUNK HEARTS on Friday evening from 6:30PM – 8:30PM and
• Sarah Shriver will be teaching BEAD SHAPES on Sunday evening from 6:30 – 8:30PM.

MCC 2014: THREE WEEKS TIL THE MAGIC BEGINS – JOIN US!

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We are just 3 weeks away from the 2nd Master Class Camp and things are heating up.  Getting excited about having these talented instructors join us and looking forward to seeing what the students in each of these classes bring to life.  That’s the great thing about organizing this type of event – we get to see the diversity of the talented attendees too!

Will you be joining us? Below is a list of the instructors and availability.  Not too late to register! Click here to download registration form and workshop info. 

• Jeffrey Lloyd Dever – space available
• Lindly Haunani – space available
• Marie Segal – space available
• Sarah Shriver – space available
• Sandra McCaw – space available
• Ponsawan Sila – space available
• Robert Dancik – space available
• Melanie Muir – FULL
• Loretta Lam – FULL
• Dan Cormier – spaces available in both workshops

We have two impromptu evening workshops planned and will also be having a few demos of new products, so join us near the Nation’s Capitol for a few days and see if you can kick your creativity into action.  Get that muse in gear!

MCC 2014: DAN CORMIER, REGISTRATION UPDATES AND GOODIES!

Summer-type weather has already arrived here in Maryland and I am glad for it.  The warm weather gently encourages people to get outside and take in the beauty of their surroundings even though inside work continues to beckon them.

 

Dan Cormier’s Surfboard Choker

 

One of the beauties of creativity is that you carry it with you.  Dan Cormier, who is teaching his 2-day workshop “Pattern Up Front: Decorative Veneers” and 1-day workshop “Form and Finish: Bare Essentials” has done just that.  Originally living in Canada with his partner, Tracey Holmes, and their son, Griffin, they picked up roots several years ago and transplanted themselves to Mexico.  I don’t think he ever skipped a beat.  Dan, a very gifted artist, continues to create his meticulous art in Mexico and has recently traveled to Malta and to the Czech Republic to teach.  After taking a workshop from him, you will appreciate even more the purposeful refinement of his pieces.

A few spaces still available in both of his workshops. Click here to download registration form and workshop info. 

Marie Segal has revised her class and will be teaching a 2-day translucent workshop only.  She’s been working with translucent for years and is thrilled to be able to share her tips and techniques.   Click here to download registration form and workshop info.  

NOTE: There are still a few spaces available all workshops except Melanie Muir – hers is full.

Every one loves Goodies!  Well, we’ve got some for you in addition to some special things being planned for the evening hours.  You’ll get some time to play with new products and watch some demos.  Maybe even a field trip!  Don’t wait…last day for the $30 discount is coming up, May 31st, just 2 days away.  Get your registration in now – you don’t want to miss it!

 

 

MCC 2014: INTRIGUED BY TRANSLUCENT? JOIN MARIE SEGAL OR PONSAWAN SILA FOR CLASS

Confused by translucent clay too?  Well, Marie Segal and Ponsawan Sila have both been working and experimenting with translucent clays and will bring their lessons learned to their workshops at Master Class Camp.  Marie, who has been working with polymer for decades, has recently been doing some extensive experimenting and is bringing what she has learned to her class.  I just love the DELFT~!

Ponsawan loves using inks with Pardo translucent clay.  Her results are stunning especially with her wirework.  She was a finalist in the IPCA Progress and Possibilities competition this year.  This will be Pons’ first time teaching at a Creative Arts Fest event and we are so pleased to have her join us.  Click below to register for her 2-day wire and polymer workshop.  For more of Ponsawan’s work, visit her Flickr site here and here.

Space is still available in both workshops and the discount still applies.  Pay have now and the other by June 15th…

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE REGISTRATION FORM AND WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS

Did you get a gift certificate to Master Class Camp for Mother’s Day?  No???  Well, it’s never too late to ask…come join us!

Master Class Camp is not for Master artisans.  It is for artist like you and me who want to learn new techniques and take their work to the next level.  All of our instructors are teaching something unique…something that identifies them.  Many polymer artists out there are unsure of how to use translucent clay.  Is it just to be used for background to flower canes?  Can color be added to it?  If so, what should you use for color?

Ponsawan loves using inks with Pardo translucent clay.  Her results are stunning!  This will be Pons’ first time teaching at a Creative Arts Fest event and we are so pleased to have her join us.

Space is still available in both workshops and the discount still applies.  Pay have now and the other by June 15th…

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE REGISTRATION FORM AND WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS

MCC 2014: DEVELOPING AND REFINING YOUR WORK – FOR BEGINNER TO PROFESSIONAL – REGISTRATION CONTINUES

SHRIVER – INTRICATE KALEIDOSCOPE CANING

HAUNANI – Telling Your Color Story

MCCAW – MCCAW CANE

Someone wrote me recently and asked if they would be allowed to attend Master Class Camp since they were not a Master Artisan.  That’s when I realized that perhaps another explanation of what CREATIVE  ARTS FESTS Master Class Camp is all about.

1. You DO NOT have to be a Master Artisan to attend.

2. You DO need to have the drive and desire to improve your techniques when creating your work.  Your color palette, design concept, and finishing techniques all need to be developed and refined to say – hey, this is my work and I’m proud of it.

3. You DO need to want to immerse yourself for 2-6 full days in the teaching from the very eclectic and talented instructors who are coming to teach from all over.  They love to share their knowledge and it’s important to keep your mind open for some mind-changing Ah-Ha moments that may change your path.

That being said,  Lindly Hauanai, Sarah Shriver, and Sandra McCaw will all use their variations of the Skinner Blend technique to develop your color palette and compose beautiful blends for use in your work.  Each of them have their own twist on color and teach very different concepts.  BUT, they all are seasoned professionals and well worth the time you will spend with them to develop your own twist of their techniques.

Don’t wait…we are just 2 1/2 months away from MCC and workshops are filling.  Discount applies if you get your registration and full payment in by May 15th SO – WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?  WHAT IS YOUR DREAM FOR YOUR WORK?

CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION FORM AND WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS 

MCC 2014: ROBERT DANCIK TO TEACH

Robert Dancik has been around the Art Jewelry world for a very long time. He’s had his hand in many mediums and has inspired and encouraged many a student. Having worked with polymer extensively, Robert brings his expertise to Master Class Camp in Laurel to teach unique cold connection techniques using polymer, metal, and found objects. Robert does not get to this area much, so don’t miss your chance to learn from this Master. Registration is ongoing until full.

CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION FORM AND WORKSHOP INFO